Lighting Under Canopy?

[sergiotami]

Just wanted the opinion of members on lighting systems under a canopy..What would members suggest, why and what are members currently using??? Would greatly appreciate the input...

[tebstan]

I'm using T5s, it was my only logical option. Metal halides were too much heat in the trapped space, and LEDs were just out of my price range. If you can afford the LEDs, they're the way to go, of course.

I'm curious if anyone has tried the metal halides in a canopy, and if so, how'd they cool the tank?

[sergiotami]

Thanks for the quick response Tebstan....I have a 90 gallon RR Oceanic, but found a nice system in Houston yesterday..210 gallon RR with stand and canopy, kinda pricey, but new and really a beauty..I currently use the Current 48" Nova Extreme Pro over my 90 gallon, but its open and not recommended that I use the canopy I have..What systems do memebers use under their canopys and why???

[jrsatx20]

I have a 2 250 mh in a canopy. Also have the glass middle support so I have an big blower fan blowing on the surface but my evaporation is huge like 3 gallons every 28 hrs. Fan keeps my tank at 75 76 degrees. Fan turns off when mh do

[tebstan]

It can depend on the style of canopy as well.

Some of them have wood slats, and aren't entirely enclosed. This allows for some heat to escape, but also puts restrictions on how you could mount stuff.

http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/014/26698_400wh.jpg


My canopy is almost entirely enclosed, only two little openings in the back. I retro-fit as many bulbs as I could squeeze in, and a few little computer fans. The hinge area posed an interesting challenge, but I got it worked out.
http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/014/26617_165wh.jpg



I had heat issues in the summer, but I have nice light and never have to worry about jumping fish. The rimless fad is nice, but just didn't appeal to me. I don't like seeing all the equipment, I insisted on a full canopy and I love it.

[alton]

I have 3 - 250w MH and 160w VHO on my 300. House temp is 75 and aquarium averages 75 to 78. I run 2 -4" fans, one controled by controller to come on at 76 and turn off at 75. The other is variable and runs 24/7 keeping moister from building up in the canopy. Fans are at each end with 3 - 4 1/2" hole in the rear of the canopy for exhaust. I also run a 4" fan into my stand. Evaporation averages 2.5 gallons a day depending on humidity outside and inside.

[d3rryc]

I've got 2 250W MH plus four T5s on mine. The canopy has an open back, though, so a 6" walmart fan installed inside the canopy moves enough air to prevent any heat issues for me.

[Mr Cob]

My favorite lighting is MH with blue led powerbrite modules for exteneded viewing of the tank. Every system I have owned has been with a canopy. I have never had heat problems but we do keep our thermostat at 74...and I know if you keep it any higher you could very easily run into heat problems. I also only run my MH as long as I can keep the tank under 81. Over the years depending on the system and size of tank I have been able to run MH in a canopy from 6-8 hrs per day.

I currently have a 55g with canopy and T5 lighting along with led powerbrite modules for the shimmer effect and love it.

My 85g will be lit by two 250w MH in a canopy. If I have any issues with heat I will put a fan over the sump water that turns on at the same time as the lighting.

So...it can be done but you just need to pay attention to a few things as I have mentioned.

[ballardjr2000]

I have 2 150w MH 96w PC and leds under my canopy no issues with heat. i use a ac powered fan to suck and one to blow to move the air and no problems did the same thing with the t-5s i had which was a total of 8 54w bulbs i noticed no differance in heat with either fixture.